“Sustainable design is the approach to creating products and services that have considered the environmental, social, and economic impacts from the initial phase through to the end of life.” (Acaroglu, L. 2020)
In obedience to what was mentioned above, being sustainable aware is simply about reassuring that your actions don’t have a negative impact on future generations’ lives and their ability to live comfortably.
It cannot be denied that even small differences in your everyday life can have a remarkable consequence.
Select Materials from Sustainable Sources:
“When choosing materials to use for your design, look for materials that are earth friendly.” (Posek, S. 2014)
Natural materials like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo grow without damaging the environment since they do not require any pesticides or herbicides to grow.
Purchase Sustainable Toothbrushes:
Small changes like sustainable toothbrushes can make a huge difference to the environment.
According to studies, “plastic toothbrushes take over 400 years to decompose”. (Bam Brush, 2019) Moreover, electric toothbrushes work with batteries, which when dumped in landfills they leak toxic acids into waterways and the oceans. This is a problem that affects everyone and you will have to face the consequences every time you drink water if you don’t take actions in your own hands.
Without a doubt, bamboo brushes are the best alternative that is in the market right now. “They are 100% biodegradable and antimicrobial – which means you don’t harbor nasty bacteria”. (Ryan, T. 2019)
Figure 2, Bam Brush - Brush Responsibly
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0236/1865/0157/products/Tue_Jul_16_20_08_59_MDT_2019_720x.jpg?v=1586846803
Purchase Reusable Straws:
“One study published earlier this year estimated as many as 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world's beaches. In the U.K., at least 4.4 billion straws are estimated to be thrown away annually” (NationalGeographic.com).
With the popularity that biodegradable straws have received, brands feel the force to reduce the amount of plastic one-use products and use more recycled ones. Most notably, from 2018, McDonalds and Starbucks started the transitioning phase from plastic straws to paper straws. Their actions inspired more smaller brands and people to use paper straws. Not only that, but Starbucks wanted to expose people even more to reusable straws by selling plastic straws that can be washed and reused or metal straws.
“Starbucks will stop using disposable plastic straws by 2020, eliminating more than one billion straws a year” (nytimes.com). Imagine the effect that this company has to the environment and to the rest of the companies that can be influenced by them.
Bam Brush – Brush Responsibly, is a company in Canada that sells only recyclable and environmentally friendly items with the hope of making a difference to the world.
Figure 3, Bam Brush - Metal Straws
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1372/2699/products/20210122_133255-removebg.png?v=1612550457
Everyone knows about the Global Warming as well as the Environmental issues. Why is no one taking any actions, or if they do, why are the differences so small? The answer is – Cost.
“The current practice of pollution control, treatment and environmental protection can be considered very expensive activities”. (El-Haggar, S. 2007)
The cost of sustainable items is one of the biggest challenges. People tend to prefer lower prices on the label, even though they do not realize that in the long-term sustainable materials are less expensive due to their longevity. Let’s hope that more companies will get influenced to use reusable and recycled items, causing to people to become more familiar around them and start using them even more.
Bibliography:
Acaroglu, L. (2020). Quick Guide to Sustainable Design Strategies. [online] Medium.com
Posek, S. (2014). 4 Ways to Make your Design Process More Sustainable. [online]
Bam Brush. (2019). 7 ways Your Plastic Toothbrush is Evil. Brush Responsibly. [online]
Ryan, T. (2019). 20 Ways to be More Sustainable in 2020. Ideas for Us.
El-Haggar, S. (2007). Sustainable industrial design and waste management. USA. California.
Kenny, M. (1951) Planning sustainability. London, Routledge.
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